Cover Silver medalist Lee Sang-Hwa from South Korea and gold medalist Nao Kodaira from Japan celebrate after the women's 500m competition in speed skating at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics (Photo: Getty Images)
Silver medalist Lee Sang-Hwa from South Korea and gold medalist Nao Kodaira from Japan celebrate after the women's 500m competition in speed skating at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics (Photo: Getty Images)
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Nothing wins hearts more than seeing some of the world’s best athletes showing each other respect. Here are five such inspiring moments from past Olympics
With more than 200 countries participating in the Olympic Games, it is the largest world-class sporting event where elite athletes compete against each other, giving their all. Winning a medal is a remarkable achievement for any professional athlete, who has spent years training for the moment, and a source of pride for the country they represent.
According to the International Olympic Committee, the organisation that oversees the Games, all contenders are expected to uphold three virtues: to strive for excellence and inspire others to do their best; to demonstrate respect in various aspects, including themselves, the rules, their opponents and the audience; and to foster friendships at the event. These values of Olympism, the philosophy of the Games, reflect the spirit of sportsmanship, promoting fairness, respect and generosity.
With the Paris Olympics in full swing, we look back at five moments from past years when athletes showed great sportsmanship at the event.
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Bouncing back stronger
Hong Kong cyclist Lee Wai-Sze crashed out during the semi-finals of the women’s keirin at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics (Photo: Getty Images)
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At the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics, Hong Kong star cyclist Lee Wai-Sze fell from her bike during the semi-finals of the women’s keirin after being knocked by her Australian opponent, Anna Meares. Lee eventually finished seventh in the heat. After four years of training, Lee told the media that she was disappointed by the outcome. Both athletes later declared that the clash was accidental.
Following this defeat, Lee competed against Meares again in another heat in the 1/8 finals for the women’s track sprint. This time, Lee, known for her strength and stamina, beat Meares by crossing the finish line several seconds earlier. The two held hands while cycling on the track after the race, an act many viewed as emphasising that the accident was unplanned.
Lee, a 2019 Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow, retired from the sport in 2023. She is the first athlete in Hong Kong’s history to win two Olympic medals, taking bronze in women's keirin at the 2012 London Games and the sprint event at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Meares, a six-time Olympic medalist who has also retired, is the chef de mission of the Australian team for the 2024 Games in Paris.
Read more: A primer on Asia’s best athletes to watch out for at the Paris 2024 Olympics
From rivals to friends
Above Kodaira hugging Lee as they skate on the ice rink after the women's 500m competition in speed skating at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics (Photo: Getty Images)
Kodaira hugging Lee as they skate on the ice rink after the women's 500m competition in speed skating at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics (Photo: Getty Images)
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At the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, South Korean speed skater Lee Sang-Hwa aimed to continue her gold medal streak in the women’s 500-metre speed skating competition after winning at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014. However, she was beaten by Nao Kodaira from Japan, her biggest rival, after making a mistake on the final turn.
Lee broke down into tears as they performed their lap of honour. Seeing her pain, Kodaira comforted her with a hug. In a post-race interview, Kodaira said she hoped the hug would set an example for younger athletes to build respectful relationships with their fellow contenders.
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The now-retired duo, who never again competed against each other after that iconic race, remain friends. Lee has branched into broadcasting, while Kodaira has been appointed a special professor at Shinshu University.
The Lee-Lin rivalry
Above Badminton players Lee Chong Wei (left) from Malaysia and Lin Dan from China exchanged uniforms after their match at Rio 2016 (Photo: Getty Images)
Badminton players Lee Chong Wei (left) from Malaysia and Lin Dan from China exchanged uniforms after their match at Rio 2016 (Photo: Getty Images)
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The rivalry between top badminton players Lee Chong Wei from Malaysia and Lin Dan from China had long been a hot topic before their retirements. The pair, regarded as two of the greatest players of all time, competed against each other in at least 40 matches.
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One of the most memorable Lee-Lin battles occurred at the badminton men’s singles semi-finals at Rio 2016, where Lee emerged as the victor. Following the intense competition, Lee and Lin exchanged uniforms, with the latter also encouraging the crowd to cheer for his opponent.
Above Lee face Lin at the badminton men’s singles semi-finals of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games (Source: Olympics)
In an interview later, Lee, a three-time Olympic silver medalist, expressed that he always considered Lin “a legend” for his remarkable accomplishments. He added that their rivalry propelled him to achieve greater heights.
Lin, also known as “Super Dan”, won two Olympic gold medals and numerous world championships throughout his 20-year professional career.
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Keep your chin up
Above From left to right: Silver medalist Tai Tzu-Ying from Taiwan, gold medalist Chen Yufei from China and bronze medalist Pusarla Venkata Sindhu from India posing on the podium during the medal ceremony for the badminton women’s singles at Tokyo 2020 (Photo: Getty Images)
From left to right: Silver medalist Tai Tzu-Ying from Taiwan, gold medalist Chen Yufei from China and bronze medalist Pusarla Venkata Sindhu from India posing on the podium during the medal ceremony for the badminton women’s singles at Tokyo 2020 (Photo: Getty Images)
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Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, also known as PV Sindhu, lost to Tai Tzu-Ying from Taiwan in the semi-finals of the badminton women’s singles at Tokyo 2020. Despite feeling saddened by the outcome, Sindhu was seen comforting Tai the next day after the Taiwanese athlete missed her chance at clinching the gold medal in the category.
In an Instagram post, Tai wrote that Sindhu, who won the bronze medal, hugged and held her face. Sindhu also told Tai that she had performed well and understood the emotions she was going through. Deeply moved by Sindhu’s words of encouragement, Tai broke into tears. “I was very upset because I had tried so hard,” she wrote in the caption.
Sindhu, who is competing in the Paris Olympics, is considered one of India’s most successful athletes. She helped put the country on the world map when she won two consecutive Olympic medals. Tai, Taiwan’s first-ever female badminton player ranked number one globally, is also part of the 2024 Games’ lineup.
Read more: 6 elite athletes from Asia redefining sports excellence
We are here for you
Above Japanese skateboarder Misugu Okamoto lifted by fellow contenders in the women's park skateboarding final of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Video: Olympics)
At Tokyo 2020, Japanese skateboarder Misugu Okamoto missed landing a key trick called the flip indie in the women’s park skateboarding final. As a result, her ranking dropped to fourth place. She was seen lying on the ground and broke into tears after falling.
When she left the skating bowl, her competitors, including her peers from Japan, Australia and Brazil, ran over to console her, give her hugs and even carried her on their shoulders. Okamato later told reporters that she was filled with regret for not being able to land the trick, but felt grateful for the support from her fellow contenders.
Now meet the sports stars on the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list.
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Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.
Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.
